Fiji Travel Guide

Bula! And welcome to Fiji, the heart of the South Pacific. Fiji is blessed with 333 tropical islands that are home to happiness and unmatched beauty. Fiji remains in my top five favorite countries for adventure, beaches, friendly people, and exclusive accommodations.

Things Not to Miss in Fiji

Shark Diving – Off the island of Beqa, their is a Shark Reef Marine Reserve where you can go swimming with up to 8 species of shark. Beqa Adventure Divers offers scuba diving trips into the marine reserve’s shark-infested waters.

Go Dirty Tours – Go Dirty Buggy Tours takes you into the interior of the Sabeto Valley, across rivers and through mud pools. It’s approximately 3 hours of adrenalin pumping fun. Drive the buggy yourself or let the local guide take you to see the beautiful sites of the Nausori Highlands. These 1100cc machines bring out the rally car driver in you, smashing through water holes and cane fields before coming to rest by the bank of Namulomulo River where refreshments are provided. Take a swim, rinse off the mud, and cool down in the river before heading back on winding dirt tracks while passing villages and the stunning Fijian countryside.

Upper Navua River Rafting – In the remote highlands of Viti Levu lies one of the most unique river trips on Earth. Slicing a deep chasm through the island’s tropical interior, the Upper Navua River is our hidden pathway to a pristine tropical wilderness. Shrouded in lush rain forest, fed by countless waterfalls and protected by challenging rapids, the Upper Navua River is Fiji rafting at its best. This is a place where black volcanic walls are at points barely five meters apart and over forty meters high and fringed by emerald rainforest. This is a place where man has been merely an intermittent visitor at best, where some of the wildest and most beautiful Fiji can still be found.

Zip Line Pacific Harbour – In the heart of the tropical rainforest, just 25 minutes from Pacific Harbour, lies ZIP FIJI’s private eco-reserve. Their highly-trained guides help you use special equipment and techniques to experience the wilderness from a unique perspective. Feel the rush of adrenalin as you WHOOSH over eight giant zip lines high above the forest floor and the Wainadoi River valley.

Waitavala Natural Rock Waterslide – The Waitavala Water Slide is a very popular cascading series of small waterfalls that people like to use as water slides. Locals and tourists can both be found at the slides. You can slide down on your bum or attempt to do it standing up, surfer style, like the local kids.

Tavoro Waterfalls – The Tavoro Waterfalls are a spectacular series of three waterfalls nestled within the Bouma National Heritage Park. The first waterfall, called the Lower Bouma Falls, is 24m tall and is easily the most popular as it allows swimming. The Middle Bouma Falls drops 15m, and the double-barreled Upper Bouma Falls has the shortest drop of the three at 10m, but it has a serene setting and it seems to be a much more secluded place for a swim to beat the tropical heat.

Sigatoka River Safari – Fiji’s original and the world’s first Jet Boat & Village Safari, is the multiple award winning Sigatoka River Safari . Their half-day eco/cultural adventure transports you deep into the heart & soul of Fiji, aboard our custom-built safari jet boats. Cruise your way up the magnificent Sigatoka River to visit authentic Fijian villages and experience a day in the life of the real ‘kaiviti’ (Fijian). Your driver and guide will bring the journey to life, introducing you to the rich culture of the people of Fiji and sharing the history, customs and legends of the area with you.

Visit Suva – Suva, the capital city of Fiji, is situated on the major island of Viti Levu. The city has colonial architecture, nightlife, restaurants and beautiful temples and mosques. Head to the municipal market on a Saturday morning for a taste of Fijian life. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs and explore the tastes of Fiji.

Garden of the Sleeping Giant – The Garden of the Sleeping Giant was originally the garden of famed actor, Raymond Burr, and is located next to his house in Nadi. The garden covers 20 hectares and is full of orchids native to Fiji and many flowers. With a beautiful lily pond and many exotic plants, this garden is sure to take your breath away.$10 (USD).

Skydive Fiji – Skydive Fiji offers world class Tandem Skydiving over the Fiji Islands. First, enjoy a great 15-25 minute scenic flight, then a thrilling one minute freefall, followed by a smooth 6-8 minute parachute ride. Operates Daily from Nadi/Denarau.

Fiji Tips

Passport – Whether arriving by sea or air, travelers to Fiji need to have a passport that’s valid for at least three months beyond their departure date, as well as an onward ticket in order to receive a free four-month tourist visa to Fiji. This visa’s open to citizens of more than 100 countries; for a complete list visit the Fijian government’s Web site.

Language – English is an official language and is the language of instruction in education, and is spoken by most in Nadi, Suva and any other major tourist area. On a few of the less touristy islands, English may be spoken with some difficulty. Fijian or Hindustani (Hindi/Urdu) is spoken by most adults and children, and learning even a few key phrases will help you gain the respect of the locals.

Money Matters – Credit cards and Fijian dollars are the most universal form of currency, although traveler’s checks can still be used in more touristy areas. Hotels and banks are still the best bets for a good exchange rate, and U.S., Australian, and New Zealand dollars are the easiest to exchange, although Fijian currency is what is accepted in day-to-day use.

Weather – Tropical cyclonic storms (The South Pacific version of Hurricanes) can occur from November to April. Temperature sensitive visitors may wish to visit during the Southern Hemisphere winter.